The next generation of the Toyota Highlander will go on sale early next year as the 2014 model. And this week TFL team caught a 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid on video in the Rocky Mountains. The next generation Highlander grows in size and gets a bit more aggressive at the same time. Toyota has its design preview on their website, but does not disclose any technical details and does not mention the Hybrid.

The 2014 Highlander was unveiled this April at the 2013 New York Auto Show, and you see more details about it here. At the auto show, Toyota said that the new Highlander will use carryover powertrains from the current generation. It means that the 2.7-liter four cylinder, the 3.5-liter V6, and the 3.5-liter V6 Hybrid will be available in 2WD and 4WD. Also, a 6-speed automatic will replace the existing 5-speed. The Hybrid is currently only available in 4WD, and this is likely to continue in the new model.

The current 2013 Highlander Hybrid is good for 280 total horsepower, and 28 MPG combined. And this week, we caught up to the new 2015 Highlander Hybrid undergoing high altitude testing. This test vehicle was wearing no camouflage , but had the same black duct tape hide all the badging, as we saw cover the entire 2015 Lexus NX test mule. However, the “Hybrid” badge was still legible on the front doors.

Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFL since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.

This is still not completely clear – 2014 or 2015? Toyota has not released definitive information about this yet. However, the 2014 Highlander should go on sale in the first quarter of 2014. We should learn more at LA Auto Show in November or at Detroit Show in January. Stay tuned.

Toyota would be wise to release the 2014 Highlander sooner than later, as buyers have been waiting a long time, while other 2014 makes are already on the market. A huge Christmas deal with good incentives would be a great way to release the 2014 model, and get buyers to purchase during this new model year.